In a dramatic shift in the Arizona Senate race, Republican Kari Lake has surged past Democrat Ruben Gallego according to a recent poll by Data Orbital.
The Telegraph reported that Kari Lake now leads Ruben Gallego as the battle for Senate control intensifies with only days remaining until the election.
The closely watched contest between Lake and Gallego has become central to determining Senate control. With the Senate currently held by Democrats with a slim majority of 51-49, the stakes are incredibly high.
Data Orbital's latest poll, conducted from October 26-28, indicates Lake has 45.2% of the vote, narrowly surpassing Gallego's 44.5%. This margin, while within the poll's error range, marks the first lead for Lake since July.
The survey included 550 likely voters, utilizing both phone and online methods to gather a diverse array of responses.
Kari Lake's political journey has been marked by her refusal to concede the 2022 governor’s race, a topic she recently addressed in a contentious exchange with CNN. Despite these controversies, her focus remains steadfast on the future.
“Why are we looking backward? I’m looking forward,” Lake stated, emphasizing her forward-looking campaign approach.
Her rhetoric suggests a shift from past grievances to current issues that resonate with voters.
“You say I can’t get over it, and it looks like you can’t,” she added during the interview, deflecting criticism about her past election disputes.
Lake has been a controversial figure within her own party as well. Her ongoing disputes with the family of the late Senator John McCain highlight the fractures within Arizona's Republican ranks.
Furthermore, her staunch support for claims of election fraud, including backing an audit of the 2020 presidential race, has placed her at odds with more moderate party members.
These actions culminated in her filing a lawsuit over the 2022 governor’s race results, reinforcing her image as a fighter unafraid of legal battles.
The seat up for grabs was formerly held by Crysten Sinema, who announced her departure in July, triggering fierce competition. Sinema's 2018 victory was a significant Democratic win in what was considered a Republican stronghold.
This year's election could similarly reshape Arizona's political landscape, depending on whether Lake's surge translates into a victory on election day.
Lake and Gallego are both vying to capture the independent and moderate voters crucial for securing Sinema’s former seat.
In her campaign, Lake has focused on the issues central to Arizona’s future, distancing herself from her controversial past remarks. “I’m actually thinking you meant to ask me about the issues people cared about,” she told reporters, indicating a strategic pivot towards more pressing electoral topics.
As the election draws near, both candidates are ramping up their efforts to sway the undecided voters who may very well decide the outcome of this critical Senate race.
The impact of Lake's late surge on the Senate's balance of power remains uncertain, making the Arizona Senate race one of the most closely watched contests in the nation.
